Day: July 29, 2020

“LayHers literally gives you all vibes,” TATI said. “It ranges from confidence, to love, to sexy, to passion, and soulful vulnerability.

Meet independent, Connecticut-based artist TATI. The rising singer just released her very first EP titled LayHers, which is a project that she has been working on for a couple years. During that time period, she told Remixd Magazine that she has been exploring her sound, style, and overall vision as an artist.

Her journey started when she first started publicly sharing pieces of the project. The first single she dropped was a song called “Difference,” which was accompanied by a music video.

“Over the two years prepping to become ‘TATI,’ I was able to release two music videos and three singles before this EP,” TATI told Remixd Magazine. “I’ve been spending a lot of time trying to creatively unfold my story.”

The title LayHers is a play on words and stems from the multiple layers of her that audiences get in the project. The finished product is a diverse, intriguing work of art that truly showcases TATI’s multi-faceted nature.

“LayHers literally gives you all vibes,” she continued. “It ranges from confidence, to love, to sexy, to passion, and soulful vulnerability. This project was literally meant to give a taste of what I’ve been learning about myself.”

Continue reading to learn more about TATI and the inspiration behind her EP LayHers.

What city are you from/ Where are you based now?
I was born and raised in Chester, Pennsylvania. I now reside in Connecticut.

At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music?
Five years ago, I knew I was onto something. Two years later, I told myself I was going to find out exactly what I was onto. This was at a time where I was transitioning in between colleges and careers, so it was a very explorative time period.

Has your upbringing played a role in shaping who you are and defining your sound today? If so, how?
My upbringing has shaped a lot in my life. Has it shaped my sound … not necessarily. Has it shaped my content and messages behind my sound … oh for sure. I’ve been through extremely blissful days, and other times I’ve felt lower than dirt. So having multiple emotions, adventures, and fears create a lot of room for “venting to the beat.”

How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?
As easy as this question is, it’s honestly tricky for me to respond. Naturally, I breathe soul — it’s just in my tone, thoughts, and blood. But that doesn’t necessarily define me as a soulful R&B artist. I experiment with a slew of sounds and let my emotions control the result. I could say I’m alternative R&B, but tomorrow I could be categorized as rock. So technically, I consider my sound to be emerging.

What ultimately inspired you to dedicate yourself to a music career?
A couple reasons: I realized that once I started sharing my hidden thoughts, they revealed themselves to be more helpful to others rather than harmful to myself.

I am naturally a servant leader … meaning that the majority of my goals and passions revolve around helping others. I wanted something just for me and I decided to make music my thing and my personal goal. It was kind of the first thing I set myself working towards that would only benefit me and my mental health.

What’s one reason you are passionate about music and what inspires you?
It’s a universal language. Meaning, I can talk to anyone, about anything, in a creative form that doesn’t make me feel vulnerable or exposed. Music opens the door for others to learn and grow together, without even knowing. There are so many songs I’ve identified with in times of my life that have helped me understand emotions I had, that I wasn’t aware of. Music is meant to be more than just a trend, a hype, a time-filler. It can literally breathe life into others. I naturally am inspired by my position in “music” to supply that breath.
Truly, I love the way music feels. The freedom, power, and vulnerability I undergo when releasing in this manner is the ultimate high. Being my own songwriter and producer really adds the extra hype! Seeing myself grow in something I’ve hadn’t had any training or guidance in, or rules to hold me back inspires me to keep going farther. Imagine having a goal you can keep amplifying at your own pace, without error, only lessons. It’s empowering.

Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?
I actually have too many hobbies lol. I dance, write, do arts and crafts, reading..a lot. Dancing helps me stay creative in music for sure. Certain movements can bring out a feel, emotion, concept,…and next thing i know, I’m like, I need to make a video for this. Writing naturally helps me organize my thoughts so I can understand what parts of me need to “vent to the beat.”

Who are some of your main musical influences?
Tina Turner & Etta James, hands down. But nowadays, I am honestly influenced by sounds. Heavy bass, quirky synths, and FLUTES! Boy do I love flutes. They more inspire which words and visions should come forth, rather than the thought of how someone made their emotions come to life.

What are some of your music career goals for the future?
Now some of them I shall not share, because I would like to be the first to accomplish them. But what I can say is, in this moment, I’d like to build a fan base…or should I say community. I am looking to connect with people with my music; not just make a profit or a name for myself. An ultimate goal would be to find some true music fans; and that means fans of “MUSIC”; not just the lifestyle of the artist. I want to be on stages as big as a city, but ultimately, I would love for my music to bring awareness to real issues in everyday life, and help in finding solutions that encourage us all to have healthier minds.

What has the response been like to your debut EP LayHers?
The responses have been mixed, but all in a good way. People are vibing! & that’s a great start. Some are loving the passion and truth I’ve put into my stories. And even some are taken back by my production work. Although three singles were released before the EP, not much attention was brought to them, so this is the first time for a lot. My songs “Pictures” and “Innerlocked” are definitely competing as fan favorites. So I have been thankful for the feedback, as it helps me grow.

What are some projects you’ve done in the past that you are most proud of and why?
This is my first music project, so this is my baby. However, my music videos have been an amazing experience. The “Difference” music video is one of my proudest projects, as it was again, another first for me. That was my first music video ever, and the way everything came together was just perfect! I spent a couple months playing around in my house making up choreography, found a dope videographer, got help getting the location, my family was there, and my energy was spot on! I delivered more than I believed in myself at that time. I fought through a lot to make that happen, and it looks like it was nothing. So shout out to me.

What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects we should be on the lookout for? Include some dates if you have them.
Oh for sure. I am always creating; even in the shower. So I’m always hoarding content. I have a few projects that are lined up to sail out; just waiting on the right timing and the right finances. I would love to have another project out by the Spring, but as the world is so unpredictable right now, I believe any date would be fictitious. Only thing I can say is, I am praying for the opportunity to shoot more videos safely during this pandemic.

What message do you hope fans take away from your music?
I hope they take away timeless thoughts. As much as I love a good club banger, I really want my fans to see themselves in another light after listening to my music. I hope my words and sounds induce hidden and healing thoughts. I look to encourage people to become confidently vulnerable to owning the pen that is writing their story.

Where can we follow you on social media?
IG // Twitter: @atouchof_tati

Check out the EP LayHers below.

“We all have been through our fair share of tribulations but they only make us stronger once we know how to channel them into our crafts,” J.U.S.T. told Remixd Magazine.

Brooklyn/Long Island native J.U.S.T. is fully committed to pursuing his music career and is paving a lane for himself. The emerging R&B artist just released his debut 8-track EP called A NY LOVE STORY, which showcases his R&B sound through his own unique lens.
First hitting the scene in design, fashion, and modeling, J.U.S.T. decided to switch gears into the hip hop and R&B realm and now creates mesmerizing, melodic sounds that he describes as “daydream music.”The new project features J.U.S.T.’s dreamlike, soothing vocals combined on harmonious beats. He gets vulnerable with his fans on the project, putting his personal tribulations on display for others to hear and allowing a space to be transparent with his audience.

Although this is his first full-length EP, J.U.S.T is already paving his own lane and taking on his own sound. Some artists that he looks to for inspiration would be PARTYNEXTDOOR, Brent Faiyaz, Drake, and Tory Lanez.

J.U.S.T fits right in and finds his own unique path in the R&B realm. His standout voice is certain to attract R&B lovers of all kinds. Continue reading to learn more about the upcoming artist and listen to A NY LOVE STORY below.

What city are you from/ Where are you based now?
I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York for half of my life and then I moved to Long Island, New York. I currently live here in Long Island.

How did you come up with your artist name J.U.S.T.?
My artist name is J.U.S.T. My name is Justin Etienne and I created my artist name organically. My family and close friends have always called me Jus so its short for my first name.

At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music?
I started experimenting with music consistently about three years ago. My bros from back home were always in the studio so I wanted to find a new way to express myself aside from fashion design. When my grandmother passed away around the time, music was the only thing that kept me sane so I just did it as a hobby. At the end of my senior year of college, I got the opportunity to open up for Kehlani for FIT’s Springfest thanks to the Student Government Association. I was the first student in our school to ever open for a Big Music artist through school. Ever since that moment I knew that music was for me.

Has your upbringing played a role in shaping who you are and defining your sound today? If so, how?
I definitely would say my upbringing played a role in who I am and defining my sound. I spent a lot of time outside as a kid. I grew up in a single parent household as a child, but I enjoyed it. I always had a lot of friends in my neighborhood and my Mom would always make sure she spent quality time with me. Growing up in a place like Brooklyn will instill a different kind of mentality. You grow up fast, and everyone is always trying to get to it. Moving to Long Island gave me a different perspective as well. Things were slower paced, it was more of a community out here. This gave me a good balance coming from the city. I wanted to generate a sound that is raw, when people think NY I feel like we have an aggressive stigma. I wanted to articulate myself in a more subtle way. Sometimes people want a balance between rap and R&B.

How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?
Therapeutic, fluid, and sincere. I would best describe my sound as “daydream” music. I’m very big on self reflection. It’s important to acknowledge our emotions and our abilities. I want to generate a new sound for NY R&B.

What ultimately inspired you to dedicate yourself to a music career?
There has been a lot going on in the world … People need reminders that they aren’t alone when they are going through both internal and external struggles. Music is a big form of therapy for many people, so I want to be able to speak to those who can relate to me. Music is an extension of who I am now.

What’s one reason you are passionate about music and what inspires you?
I’m passionate about the connection music creates between people. Someone’s whole perspective on life can change because of one song and that alone is very powerful. I’m inspired by the unknown, I love challenging myself to be better every single day.

Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?
Yes, I think as artists we should never limit ourselves to one thing. I’m a fashion designer, I construct and sew my own garments which go hand and hand with my music. I love to play basketball, read books, draw, play video games, and I’m big on spending quality time with people close to me.

Who are some of your main musical influences?
That’s a hard question, I have music influences in different realms. As of right now I would say Partynextdoor, Brent Faiyaz, Summer Walker, Drake, Kehlani, Sleepy Hallow, Sheff G, Pop Smoke R.I.P to the legend, Drake, and Tory Lanez.

What are some of your music career goals for the future?
I just want to keep progressing with the craft. I want to utilize my platform as a voice for other people and creatives around the world. I will create a lifestyle brand that impacts both the fashion and music and entertainment industries. Things are so fast paced nowadays, but I want longevity in anything I do. I want to be one of the greatest creative artists of our generation.

Tell us about the inspiration behind your latest EP A NY LOVE STORY.
I just released my debut EP titled A NY LOVE STORY. It consists of eight songs that were arranged as a journal of my thoughts and experiences aka “daydreams.” I believe there is strength in vulnerability, so I wanted to put something out that will allow people to acknowledge their emotions. Once you understand your emotions, you can channel them into anything you want. I was going through a lot the past year, this EP allowed me to get through everything.

What has the response been like to that project?
I’ve been getting very good feedback from people. I’m very thankful for the platform I’ve developed within the past few years. I wouldn’t be where I’m at if it weren’t for the people around me pushing me. It’s crazy to get messages from people I have never even met before. It hasn’t even been 24 hours yet since the EP dropped and a lot of people have told me they can relate to a lot of the songs. I think it will grow little by little. So far it seems like my song “Baited” with Amber Simone is getting the most love. She is really talented and I know she’s going to blow up very soon.

What are some projects you’ve done in the past that you are most proud of and why?
This the first time I can say I’m really proud of myself with no self criticism. Aside from my first fashion presentation I had for my clothing line, I think this is the most meaningful project yet and it will be the first of many.

What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects we should be on the lookout for? Include some dates if you have them.
I’m going to be dropping some garments very soon. A lot of my peers have been highly anticipating my releases with my clothes but the pandemic slowed things down for a while. I got something cool dropping within the next few weeks for sure.

What message do you hope fans take away from your music?
I just want people to acknowledge their emotions and realize they have the capacity to do whatever they want. We all have been through our fair share of tribulations but they only make us stronger once we know how to channel them into our crafts. I think everyone has a purpose on this earth, they just have to figure out what that is.

Where can we follow you on social media?
My Instagram is JustinP.Etn, my Twitter is Justin P. Etn.